Trees

image: Flickr-Dave Amos

Pasadena takes pride in its trees.  I'm proud to live in a city where trees are not just cherished but part of a city's identity.  But when it comes to maintenance I can only give Pasadena a C+.  I live in the Old Pasadena area and since the devastating windstorm two years ago you would think that the city would have learned a lesson and outline some kind of plan to inspect, trim, thin and maintain most, if not all, the trees in the city to prepare for the next devastating windstorm and prevent massive losses.

Take a look at the area around the parking garage near the AT&T building within the Union, Arroyo Parkway, Holly St., Marengo block.  Two years ago crews thinned and trimmed the Pine trees within the private property boundary (within the sidewalk).  The Pines on the city side have grown so thick that they risk being felled during the next 80+ mph winds because windflow is restricted.  And don't get me started on the other trees in the area.  Crews used to come (at least) every other year to work on the trees in this area.  Where are they?

Home of the Week - 810 N. Michigan Ave.

photo: MLS

This beauty is located in Bungalow Heaven, and everyone know that fine craftsman bungalows like this rarely come up for sale in this area.  Well-maintained, wonderful details and lots of upgrades along with being in an area where neighborhood pride runs strong.

• 810 North Michigan Ave. [Redfin]
• Price: $945,000
• 3 Beds/1 Bath
• 1635 sq. ft.
• Pasadena area: Bungalow Heaven

Pasadena's Oldest House for Sale

photo: Michael Dilsaver, Partners Trust

 The James Craig Adobe, the oldest building in Pasadena, is up for sale.  A Cultural Heritage Landmark and also listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the house was built around the 1840's, before California became part of the union.  It was recently featured on a tour sponsored by the Pasadena Heritage Society highlighting the city's oldest homes.  170 years old and looking pretty damn good.

• 2121 Monte Vista St. [website]
• The James Craig Adobe [Pasadena Daily Photo]

It Can Be Done

We were all fixated with moving the Space Shuttle from LAX to it's final destination at the Science Center, but how does it compare with moving a very large 3-story, 260 foot, 6200 ton brick building built in 1889?  Well, they did it in Zurich, Switzerland.  Ok, so it was moved only 200 feet and not across the city, but they moved it!  And intact!  I guess if there was ever a need to move one of Pasadena's old buildings we now know: it can be done. I will never again doubt man's engineering prowess.

Moving of the MFO building in Zurich 2012, time lapse from Patrick Gautschy on Vimeo.

Home of the Week - 1695 Poppy Peak Dr.

photo: MLS

Folks, check out this stunner!  Designed by the famed Buff, Straub and Hensman architecture firm (their masterpieces are Case Study House #20 in Altadena and #28 in Thousand Oaks), this mid-century jewel has been lovingly restored by historic home renovation specialists, Lander Design.  This is an early example of the architects' Post-and-Beam work and, man, is it a beauty or what?  Located in the Poppy Peak historic district this house fits right in among other notable house, but this one definitely stands out.  The house is covered under the Mills Act, so whoever ends up buying it will also save a bunch on property taxes.  What high-tax bracket individual wouldn't like that?

• 1695 Poppy Peak Dr. 91105 [Redfin]
• Price: $1,495,000
• 4 Beds / 2 3/4 Baths
• 1,887 Sq. Ft.
• Pasadena area: Poppy Peak/San Rafael Hills
• Thomson Residence [ArchitectureforSale.com]
• Mid-Century Made Modern Again: A Classic Pasadena House Revived [LA Times]

The Tools That Created Beauty

Photo: Larry Underhill, Los Angeles Magazine

Los Angeles Magazine is currently profiling objects that define LA for the city's 232nd anniversary.  Above is a set of drafting tools owned by Charles and Henry Green, pioneers of the Craftsman style movement.  Click the link below for a (very) brief history on the brothers and the iconic style they created.

• DispL.A. Case #35: Green and Greene Architectural Drafting Tools [LA Magazine]

Must-Know Modern Homes: The Gamble House

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Accessories And Decor on Houzz- For Example:

Candles And Candle Holders · Frames · Indoor Fountains · Mirrors · Pet Accessories · Pillows · Plants · Screens And Wall Dividers ·

Pasadena Museum Architect, John Kelsey, 1925-2012

photo: Hometown Pasadena

Earlier this month, John Kelsey, one of the designers of what is now the Norton Simon Museum, died at age 86.  I still remember the first time I came across the museum not long after I moved to California.  Here was a 60's modernist building whose design was far from dated and despite it's not-so-functional location, blended nicely along Colorado Blvd. and juxtaposed against the soft dip along the road.  The dark brown exterior and low-slung height made the building one with the grounds without a hint of pretension or grandeur.  Looking at the building, you can't help but sense a hint of mysteriousness as to what the museum holds.  This goes counter to many of the newer museums built in the last two decades where size, design and sometimes outlandishness trumps functionality.  And once you enter this museum you're pleasantly surprised by the scale of the interior, wondering how you were deceived before you walked through the front doors.

• Architect John Kelsey, dies at 86, designer of Pasadena Museum [LA Times]

Rustic Pasadena

courtesy Los Angeles Times

The LA Times this past weekend featured a wonderful Pasadena Craftsman house that was restored to its original specs.  Includes details of how people of different backgrounds contributed to restoring this jewel.

• American Craftsman Meets Swiss Chalet in Pasadena [LA Times]

Party on the Bridge!

The preservation group, Pasadena Heritage, will be holding their 35th birthday on the Colorado St. Bridge on Saturday July 14.  For many years Pasadena Heritage has worked tirelessly to preserve historically and architecturally significant buildings, landmarks and neighborhoods in Pasadena.  Recently, they've worked hard on the city's acquisition and future plans for the Julia Morgan building and the ongoing reviews for the All Saints Church property. 

There will be lots of food, a variety of entertainment and partying on one of the most beautiful bridges in America!  Should be a fun event for all!  Tickets can be purchased on their website.

• Pasadena heritage 35th Birthday Party on the Bridge [website]